Seiunchin Today

I've been practicing Seiunchin these past couple of weeks. The tips in my last post have really made the kata come together. Today, we did the kata again, but it was done individually, at our own pace. I was able to get through it, though once I had my feet in the wrong stance, and I had a few other mechanical problems. Still, what I did somewhat resembled the kata, and I was extremely happy and relieved that I had finally caught the kata. Practice is what it is all about.

More on Seuinchin

Worked on Seuinchin last night. After the three starting grab defenses, you can imagine the forward hand or wrist being grabbed from the top. Thus, you first hit the back of their hand with a backfist strike to your hand. Then, you grab their hand in a joint force, and push it into them, which could also be thought of as a two handed punch. Then, you do an empi (elbow strike) with the right elbow, while hitting your elbow with an open left hand. A Bunkai for this is forcing the opponents head into your elbow. Finally, the two handed block can also be seen as a two-handed trap and force of the opponents hand, where you force their arm, go forward 45 degrees to break the elbow, then pull back and do the second "lower block" to their head.

Session ended, ready for a new session to begin

Just finished another session. Next week we will start the final session for the year, which ends near December. I imagine that our youngest will probably choose Karate over wrestling. Our older son will be wrestling for the school, so will likely be able to do both. I know I want to walk the do, but I am not sure what the best do is for my children.

We worked on Seisan, and I am still quite slow at it. Sensei Hovey showed us the foot stomp portion, just before the kick, by demonstrating on another sensei. I must admit to letting out an audible gasp when he made hard contact on the other sensei's foot. He also showed a bunkai for that move in which you are pulled. You resist at first, then when pulled harder you come with the foot stomp, kick to the midsection, and then the block turns into a strike on the opponents now lowered head.

Practice Today

My youngest son has just started karate along with my older son and me. Today he learned to block a mawashi geri by hooking the leg. When I studied Goju Ryu we would practice mawashi geri by leaning into the kick, and taking it on the back shoulder blade. It seemed to me at the time the best counter was not to back away, but to move in. Today when we were working on it we would hook the leg with one hand. Another option is to block with the forearm, and step in with the opposite foot with a lunge punch.

I really question the value of blocking with the forearm. I think you are more likely to break your forearm than your shinbone.

In class we also talked about getting your leg back on the side kick. Our sensei held out his leg and said "what is this good for?" My older son came up with the line of the night when he said "doing the Hoki Poki." Another time sensei asked "what can your opponent do if they can't feel their legs?" Not being as quick as my son, it occurred to me later that they would try to bite your legs off.

Bunkai for seiunchin

On the slow, two handed blocks one interpretation is that you are blocking a powerful punch. However, it can also be a defense of a double-handed lapel grab, with the fist hand grabbing the opponents wrist. The two downward blocks then become elbow breaks.

Wrestling results

On Saturday, Chris had a wrestling meet in which he pinned both of his last two opponents in the first round. The first was his first opponent this year, and the last match was a rather close 6-5 affair. It was nice to see his hard work result in him persevering with his move, putting on a cradle, and getting the win. The second pin was over an opponent he had pinned a few weeks ago, but the wrestler had learned, and become much better on defense. Chris used a jab the way sensei taught - quick from the shoulder, straight forward, and distracting the eyes, then shooting in on the double leg when the opponent was distracted. He tried for another cradle, a rather rare move at this level, then slipped in a half neilson when the opponent defended against the cradle. When his opponent fought off the half neilson on the left side, Chris quickly put a half neilson on the right hand side, rolled him over, and got the pin.

After his matches were finished, Chris maintained proper discipline by doing push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups to get in some extra conditioning. He has also been working out on his own at home - something his sensei always tried to get him to do for karate.

Wrestling season ends in a month, and we will start karate back up after that. While Chris is in good shape, I am in need of a makeover.

Wrestling versus Karate

Both karate and wrestling can be used for self-defense. Both karate and wrestling can be disciplined. With my boys now in wrestling instead of karate, it has me wondering which is best. They both have their advantages.

Wrestling is a more intense workout. Karate has a much greater spiritual and intellectual side. Wrestling is a sport. Karate is the do. With wrestling a lot of it really comes down to strength and endurance as moves become quite sloppy in the junior level as the match advances. Karate is about perfection.

I feel fortunate that my boys have been able to participate in quality programs in both disciplines. It is something I will think more about as I move forward.